This Designer Brand Is Receiving Major Backlash for Appropriating #BlackLivesMatter
Not so long ago, Kendall Jenner and Pepsi came under fire for releasing a protest-inspired ad. The campaign was branded as tasteless, and folks accused Pepsi on trying to cash in on hot-button events like #BlackLivesMatter or the Women’s March. After the backlash, Pepsi pulled the ad and issued an apology. Welp, now it seems like one luxury fashion brand learned nothing from all that controversy.
Ports 1961 is taking a lot of heat for their cringe-y Spring 2018 line, which they’ve been sharing on their Instagram and Twitter pages. The clothing incorporates plays on the Black Lives Matter name, including “Every Color Matters” and “Only Love Matters,” as well as images of raised fists.
While some Twitter users were happy to see the clothing line being “dedicated” to the movement, the majority of others insisted it missed the mark and echoed the All Lives Matter counter-movement.
When Ports 1961 basically does a repurposed 'All Lives Matter' collection + puts all the #resist pieces on the Black models. V token-y. pic.twitter.com/GBNKgnNjHC
— Cherise M. (@ChicReese) June 17, 2017
🗣you seriously put a Black man in a top that says "Every Color Matters"?!?
— Cherise M. (@ChicReese) June 17, 2017
Like, I really need designers to sit quiet instead of co-opting movements they have zero clue about. Like, pls keep your rainbow of fists.
— Cherise M. (@ChicReese) June 17, 2017
The fact that they feel the need to profit off our pain, struggle, and resistance is sickening
— nbb🌹✨ (@haileyjohn567) June 21, 2017
It's sad not@1 of the black models for @Ports1961 felt the need to do this. 💯 @Raury https://t.co/sAsQJBSoBI
— G Ω D Σ S S (@iamjvnee) June 21, 2017
Meanwhile, someone should have protested Ports 1961 because these "Every Color Matters" et "Only Love Matters" shirts are in poor taste pic.twitter.com/sWRimaYNe7
— GoodGalReRe (@_reneebu) June 20, 2017
But here's the thing, when art is insincere, it shows. You cannot take a movement you don't understand and attempt to tap into the market.
— theblackgirlphenom (@DreamMcClinton) June 20, 2017
It will show you aren't really listening. And that's what Ports 1961 doesn't understand.
— theblackgirlphenom (@DreamMcClinton) June 20, 2017
Ports 1961 has yet to respond to the criticism.
What do you think of Ports 1961’s fashion choices? Tell us @BritandCo!
(h/t Teen Vogue; photos via Ports 1961/Instagram)